Hare

The RSPB reserve at Saltholme marshes has Hares as residents that are occasionally seen. Normally they keep well hidden, but I saw one on my most recent trip as it bounded to the edge of the waters at Wildlife Watchpoint, the hide nearest the reserves main building.

These birds are probably Juveniles, as they do not show the distinctive black patch on their bellies, seen in the breeding season. In winter they look grey.

Black-tailed Godwits were present at a number of the hides. Firstly from the new viewing point (close to the car park) called Back Saltholme. This sequence shows off the wingbars in flight and the black tail.

These show the elegance of the birds when feeding in the mud.

They often group together.

From Saltholme Pool, I saw through the spotting scope a Black-tailed Godwit in the water, again displaying the wing pattern and the black tail before flying off.

It was a windy day, so I didn’t see many flying Lapwings. However I did see two great displays of flying geese. First Canadian Geese, who noisily honked their way across the waters, before settling down again.

Teal have also returned in numbers. These are much smaller ducks and the males have a delightful pattern on their head. The first few pictures were taken under cloudy, windy conditions as the Teal rides the waves. The last pictures were in still, sunlight conditions and show off their colours to their best.